This industry has grown from about $1 billion in sales in 1996 to $4 billion in 2004 and continues to climb. A pre-paid phone card is a card you purchase to make long distance phone calls. Many people use a pre-paid phone card because of the card’s convenience - it can be used anywhere and, since you pay in advance, there is no bill. Pre-paid phone cards are popular among travelers, students, people who frequently call overseas, and those who haven’t selected a long-distance service. In addition, pre-paid phone cards are sold in convenient places, such as newsstands, post offices, and stores.